Final answer:
Thunderstorms are associated with continents due to processes of evaporation and condensation, transferring heat from the ocean to the atmosphere and driving the formation of cumulus clouds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thunderstorms are generally associated with continents rather than oceans because of the process of evaporation and condensation. When water evaporates from the oceans, heat is removed from the ocean. If the water vapor condenses into clouds, heat is released in the atmosphere. This transfer of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere is the driving power behind thunderstorms. The condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere releases tremendous amounts of energy, causing the air to rise and form cumulus clouds, resulting in thunderstorms.